U.S. attorney general hospitalized after feeling faint

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder was hospitalized on Thursday after feeling faint and short of breath during his regular morning meeting, the Department of Justice announced.

"During his regular morning meeting with senior staff, the Attorney General began experiencing symptoms including faintness and shortness of breath. As a precaution, (he) was taken to MedStar Washington Hospital Center to undergo further evaluation," the DOJ said in a statement.

Holder, a trim and athletic 63 and apparently in good health, "is currently resting comfortably and in good condition. He is alert and conversing with his doctors," according to the statement.

The statement added that more information about his condition will be made public as it becomes available.

Holder, a corporate lawyer by profession, was appointed by President Barack Obama and has headed the Justice Department since 2009 after serving as the department's No. 2 official during the Bill Clinton administration. EFE